We
spend much of our life asleep. The quality of our sleep
and how much sleep we get affects our quality of life
during the daytime. While most people do fall asleep
easily and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning,
many do not. Inadequate or poor quality sleep leads
to poor daytime functioning, auto accidents and possibly
other serious long term health consequences.

To help determine if you could have a sleep problem
or need evaluation by a sleep physician click
here
to download our questionnaire.

or
call us 248.465.9253 (WAKE)

What
kinds of sleep problems are seen at The Center for Respiratory
and Sleep Disorders?

People
who have sleep problems should see a doctor. If you have a
sleep problem, your doctor may be able to help you. In many
instances, consultation with a physician who specializes in
the diagnosis and treatment of sleep diseases is necessary.
All patients referred to The Center for Respiratory and Sleep
Disorders meet with a sleep physician in consultation. Depending
on the results of that initial evaluation, treatment may be
prescribed. Sleep testing (polysomnography) is often required
for complete evaluation before treatment is given, especially
when Obstructive
Sleep Apnea is a possibility.

When a
sleep physician orders a sleep test, the patient sleeps overnight
in the Center. During that night, electrodes placed on the
scalp, chest, abdomen, legs and face record brain waves (electroencephalogram),
heart rhythm (electrocardiogram), oxygen concentration in
the bloodstream (oximetry), breathing, and other measurements.
Testing is painless and completely safe. Testing is performed
by professional, experienced technologists. These tests are
then reviewed in detail by board-certified sleep specialist
physicians. All patients receive copies of their test results
within a few days and are given personalized advice and recommendations
for treatment of sleep problems which are found. All results
are communicated within 48 hours to the patient's physician.
Patients work closely with their sleep physician and personal
doctor to tailor treatment to their needs.

What
should I do if I think I have a sleep problem?

First,
speak with your doctor. He or she may be able to work with
you to solve the problem. Seeing a sleep specialist or even
having a sleep test might help. To arrange an appointment
with a sleep physician at The Center for Respiratory and Sleep
Disorders, call the number listed below.

If you
are excessively sleepy, you should not drive or perform other
activities in which you or others could be in danger should
you become drowsy or fall asleep.

Sleep
Hygiene - Things you can do to improve your sleep

•
Keep a regular bedtime and arousal time 7 days a week. Spend
7 to 8 hours in bed each night.

•
Avoid naps, except for a brief 10-15 minute nap 8 hours after
you get up.

•
Get regular exercise every day. Do it at least 6 hours before
going to bed.

•
Try to expose yourself to bright lights only during the daytime.
If you have to get up in the middle of the night, avoid looking
at bright lights. When you get up in the morning, spend at
least 30 minutes outdoors or in a brightly lit room.

•
Don't smoke at all!! Don't ever smoke in bed or in situations
in which you might fall asleep while smoking. Don't ever smoke
to get back to sleep. If you still have not quit smoking,
don't do it after 7 PM.

•
Alcohol can disrupt your sleep and make you sleepy the next
day. It can also worsen breathing problems at night if you
have sleep apnea. Do not drink at all, or at least not for
several hours before bedtime.

•
Take a hot bath 2 hours before bedtime.

•
If you have trouble going to sleep or getting back to sleep
after you wake up:

•
Use a bedtime ritual. Reading (choose something you do not
find intelectually stimulating) before bedtime may assist.
Read in another room (not the bedroom).

•
Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. Do not watch TV in
the bedroom. Tape your favorite shows if watching them might
keep you awake.

•
Avoid sleeping in unfamiliar environments.

•
If you can't get back to sleep after 20 minutes, get out of
bed and sit quietly somewhere else. Alternatively, do something
very boring.

•
Keep your clock face turned away so that you can't see what
time it is.

•
Make sure that your bedroom is comfortable and dark.

•
If your sleep partner keeps you awake, ask them to use these
instructions and seek help if necessary.

•
Learn some self-relaxation techniques for use when you are
trying to go to sleep.

•
Relaxation tapes are available at local stores and libraries
for you to purchase and use.

•
Learn some stress management techniques to use in the daytime;
visit your local library for this.

•
Have somebody else take care of children or pets.

•
Schedule a time during the day when you can worry about your
problems. Write them down if you have to.

Ask
your doctor whether any medicines you are taking can affect
sleep.

DON'T
WORRY if you occasionally don't get a good nights sleep; this
is normal. If the problem persists, tell your doctor and consider
making an appointment to see a sleep specialist, if you have
not already done so.